Wellington Council Staffer Honoured With A Rifle

Drawing a rifle at a council meeting might usually be cause for alarm this close to elections, instead cheers and smiles met Wellington man Frank Coles when he received the rifle as part of a long-time service award.

Mr Coles was presented with the award at last night’s full council meeting for his fifty-year service at the Wellington zoo.

A recreational deer-hunter, Mr Coles said he was “thrilled” with the rife the council had given him, along with a plaque and badge commemorating his service.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast, who presented the award, said Mr Coles had given “outstanding service” to the Wellington Zoo throughout his time there.

“Thank you for your dedication, devotion and loyalty to the Wellington zoo and to the people of Wellington.”

She said Mr Coles, who is now a technical services officer at the zoo, had worked in many areas there.

“Frank was even involved with the chimps’ tea parties many years ago; he would train chimps to drink tea out of tiny cups.”

Mr Coles described his time at the zoo as being “absolutely marvellous”.

Also given at last night’s council meeting were two Positively Wellington awards.

They were awarded to Bill Sheat and David Carson-Parker for their contribution to the restoration and preservation of the Embassy Theatre.

On behalf of the Embassy Theatre Trust, Mr Carson – Parker thanked the council for their support of the project.

“The magnificent and majestic Embassy theatre has not only been saved, but returned to its former glory.”

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